Colorado Peace Ride

Keep animals inside, particularly rabbits, puppies, kittens, elderly animals, small animals and dogs with short hair. Short-haired animals will also benefit from a warm jumper or coat on walks.

Don’t allow your cat or dog to roam freely outdoors. During winter, cats sometimes climb under the bonnets of cars to be near warm engines and are badly injured or killed when the car is started. (To help prevent this, bang loudly on the bonnet of your car before starting the engine).

Animals can also become disoriented when there is snow or ice on the ground.

More animals are lost during the winter than during any other season.

You should increase animals’ food rations during winter because they are burning more calories to keep warm.

Also, make sure that animals are free of internal parasites, which can rob them of vital nutrients.

Keep an eye out for strays. Take unidentified animals inside until you can find their guardians or get them to an animal shelter.

If strays are skittish or otherwise unapproachable, provide them with food and water and call animal protection authorities for assistance in trapping them and getting them indoors.

If there is snow on the ground, be sure to wipe off your dogs’ or cats’ legs, feet and stomachs after they come inside. Salt and other chemicals can make your animals sick if they ingest them.

Antifreeze, which can be deadly, attracts animals because of its sweet taste.

Avoid spills, be sure always to tighten the cap securely after use and store the antifreeze in a place where animals can’t get to it.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.uk.

Tags: Your Animals

The Animal Husbandry Sindh director on Tuesday asked livestock owners to vaccinate their animals who were likely to get seasonal diseases in the months to come.
The provincial directorate has officially informed the livestock owners, maldars and farmers that there was a possibility of the spread of seasonal diseases among the animals during first quarter of 2013, ranging from January to March.
“All livestock owners and maldars are advised to get their animals vaccinated against the above contagious diseases from nearest veterinary hospital, dispensary or veterinary centre in time,” the directorate said.

Tags: Your Animals

Facebook is the number one social networking site around the world. Everybody knows it and almost everyone has an account to it. The main reason of Facebook is to easily be connected to other people whether they are your old friends from elementary or your relatives from far place. Facebook connects people and it helps in keeping the relationship active. However, don’t you know that aside from social networking you can also use Facebook for your gaming activities? Games are part of socializing and you can play with your Facebook games with your friends. You can invite them to play with you, send gifts, challenge them or even compete with them. So have you tried the games at Facebook? Here, I’ve listed down some of the best games that you can play at this site.

The first one I got is Farmville. It is a fun game from Zynga, it captured attentions from kids to their mommies. This game is about farming and putting up a farm. You’ll be challenged to plant, seed, and harvest to make your farm grow and grow. You can help your friends to their farms as well, you can send gifts, but before you can do that you must invite your friends to play Farmville so you will have neighbors that you can send gifts or they can send gifts to you.

Next in line is Cityville, another addicting game from Zynga. The objective of the game is building roads, railroads, schools, businesses and other things that can be found in the city; in short the game goal is to build a city.

Mafia wars is another thrilling and addicting game that you can play in Facebook.  The goal of t he game is to create a mafia who needs to be master in earning cash, to grow his criminal career and to hire more mafia members.

Guys are much into this game than boys because many girls are caught with salon games, or restaurant games that they can also be played at FB.

Another is, draw my thing. This game is challenge and thrilling game. If you love guessing game this one will catch your attention for sure! The game is about guessing, the other player will draw while others will guess.

Zoo world is another cute game that has been discovered and designed by RockYou. If you love animals this game will surely captured your heart. This game is about buying animals, hiring some staff, and placing everything the way you wanted. Make your zoo bigger, make your animals healthier, and be successful with your zoo while socializing with your friends.

Next is diamond dash. This game is the game that my sisters, nephews, niece, cousins are playing. They love it much and they are very addicted to it.  The game is from Wooga and it’s about matching the diamonds and hitting the score within the time frame. The game is simple yet challenging and enjoyable.

Whatever the game that you’ve chosen, I’m sure that you will enjoy it as long as you choose the one that you really like and not just because you followed your friends to it, however you will enjoy the game much better if you join and invite your friends.

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Tags: Your Animals

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) – Terre Haute Code Enforcement says calls on animal neglect just keep coming in.

Only in the winter, theyre more pressing, as consequences could be deadly.

The majority of the calls we get are the animals tethered outside, no food, no water, no shelter, Terre Haute Code Enforcement Officer Tim Manley said.

That was the reason for the first call Wednesday.

The owner was a repeat offender.

If there is a violation, then Ill just go ahead and site them. Theres no reasoning to give them a verbal warning when Ive been there before, Manley said.

Code Enforcement once again reminds you that if your pet cant stay inside, make sure that it has a warm bed, shelter and water always.

Permanently tethering is against state law.

Code Enforcement says if owners are in violation, they will be cited.

If conditions are bad enough, animals will be taken.

The issue is humane shelters are usually full.

Theyll always take emergencies, but as far as the stray factors goes I mean theres only so much room, he said.

On average, officers try to take no more than three a day.

They give us a count day to day.

Parke-Vermillion Humane Society says while other shelters turn animals away, it finds room.

Often times, it will charge a surrender fee to residents.

Even if they cant, we dont ever refuse anything just because we figure theyre better off here in a warm place being fed on a regular basis than somebody going and dumping them or then being thrown out in a the backyard and forgot about, Parke-Vermillion County Humane Society Director and Registered Veterinary Technician Dareth Stonebraker said.

Its an ongoing problem.

Were out here to help the animals. Some people think were picking on them but if you dont take care of your animals, youre going to see us, Manley said.

Experts work overtime to protect our animal community.

Code Enforcement plans on being more strict with licensing your animals this year.

Under Terre Haute city ordinance, your cat or dog needs to be registered after its up to date on its rabies shot.
 

Tags: Your Animals

MIDLAND — In West Texas, January is historically the coldest month of the year.

The National Weather Service is predicting lows in the 20s for most of the week,

As we continue on into winter, this trend can be dangerous for household pets.

Well, obviously, not all animals were created equal. Some have longer coats than others, but if you go outside and you have a shirt on and pants on and its 18 degrees, youre still cold just like they are, Veterinarian Joe OHara told Big 2.

When temperatures drop below freezing, animals can not protect themselves from the cold, so owners should bring their pets indoors.

Its important to remember is that household pets are mammals just like you and me, so just like humans they are susceptible to those cold weather illnesses ike Frostbite and Hypothermia, so its important to bring them inside when the temperatures drop below freezing.

If you cant bring the pets inside, then you should put them in a garage, or a sturdy structure that will keep out the wind and cold.

Dont put them in a dog house, since they wont be able to stay warm enough.

Some animals, such as livestock, are too big to be brought inside, but there are ways to protect them as well.

If you dont have a fully enclosed barn or anything like that, they definitely need a blanket on them in this kind of weather, OHara continued.

So how do you know if your animals are too cold?

Just like us, shivering, restlessness, looking to get under blankets, looking for attention, trying to get inside. Theyre trying to give you clues to tell you theyre cold, OHara said.

Its also important to remember to protect your pipes, so the water inside doesnt freeze, which can cause cracks and leaks.

To do this, insulate outdoor pipes and keep them covered.

Also, remove hoses and cover spigots.

If your pipes run through a building, such as with apartments, there is a way to keep those safe as well.

If thats the case, its definitely a good idea to maybe leave a faucet dripping and keep some water running through those pipes. Theyre a lot less likely to freeze and break that way, Plumbing Supervisor Wayne Beaird said.

Tags: Your Animals

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The holiday season is filled with family, friends and parties but dont forget about your pets. Here are a few helpful tips to keep your animals safe and happy this holiday season.

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• Keep Pets Away from the Christmas Tree. Decorations, pine needles and tree water can all be hazard to the animal in your house. Place the tree out of reach from animals or set up a barrier around the tree so the animal can not get to it. Delaware County SPCA Director of Community Relations Justina Calgiano says cats in particular love playing in the Christmas tree, so be sure it’s securely anchored so it doesn’t fall. When leaving the house for an extended period of time, try to shut the animal out of the room where the Christmas tree is displayed. #13;
  • Tree water may be stagnant and full of bacteria or contain fertilizers that can cause an upset stomach, so keep an eye out to make sure cats and dogs don’t drink from the tree base, Calgiano says. 

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  • Decorations: Avoid tinsel that can be nibbled and swallowed, which could lead to obstructed organs. Keep glass or plastic ornaments out of paws reach. Shards of breakable ornaments can damage your pets mouth and paws and be even more harmful to the lining of the stomach if swallowed, Calgiano says.

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• Keep Pets Away from Holiday Plants and Other Decorations. Poinsettia plants, holly and mistletoe are poisonous to animals if they eat them and can cause gastrointestinal issues if ingested, so keep them elevated and away from the reach of pets, Calgiano says.
  • Candles and Menorahs can also prove dangerous. One wrong wag of the tail and an overturned candle could ruin the holidays for sure. Try to keep those items out of your four-legged friends reach and always keep a watchful eye on tails near fireplaces or candles.

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  • Party Favors if play with or chewed could be hazardous to an animal. Be sure to clean up any party decorations or balloons that an animal could easily choke on or shallow.

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• Dont Overindulge Your Pet. Giving pets table scrapes or foods they arent accustom to is not a good idea. It can upset stomachs and bones from the scraps could easily be swallowed. Instead, stick with pet store treats and bones. A new toy to play with is always welcome too. #13;
  • No Alcohol: Never give an animal alcohol. According to ASPCA.org, alcohol can be extremely dangerous and even deadly to an animal. After a party, make sure all empty bottles and glasses have been cleaned up before letting your pet roam the house freely.

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  • No Chocolate: No holiday chocolates for your pet or anything sweetened with xylitol, Calgiano says.

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  • Party Etiquette: During parties, food is often left out at pet level. Try to keep your animal away from the party as much as possible. Paws can be easily stepped on in a crowd and with guests coming and going, pets could easily wander outside without being noticed.

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• Burn Off Your Pets Energy. A long walk is always a good idea before you head out for a long day away from your pet but for an added bonus try a treat scavenger hunt. This is for dog owners with a fenced in yard or outside area where the dog will be safe. Grab a handful of multi-grain Cheerios, which is a cereal with little sugar, and take your pup outside. Give him one or two Cheerios to start and show him the handful. Then toss the Cheerios across the yard, scattering them in different sections. Let your dog try to find those tiny treats and burning off tons of energy. When its time to come inside your pup will be ready for a much-needed nap and you can attend your party feeling guilt-free.

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For more ways to keep your animals safe during the holiday season check out ASPCA.org.

Tags: Your Animals

• Allison Miles bull;
• Originally published January 1, 2013 at midnight, updated January 2, 2013 at 8:38 am

• For more information

• For more on the 2013 Victoria Livestock Show, go to victorialivestockshow.com.

The new year is more than about clean slates and resolutions. For the Crossroads agricultural community, it means stock show crunch time.

The Victoria Livestock Show spans Feb. 23 through March 4, according to the stock show website.

Jackie Parsons, with The Other Feed Store on Port Lavaca Highway, said that looming deadline has brought participants into her shop. While some go in to purchase supplies and others go in for advice, she said the staff helps however it can.

Were going out with some of the kids who feed with us, checking their animals and making suggestions on feeding, she said. Were getting them ready to go.

Here, those in the know share their tips for stock show prep.

Monitor the animals diets

Now is the time to step back, look at an animals weight and condition and determine whether its time to cut back on food, increase it or even introduce supplements.

Care for the coat

Its important for an animals hair and skin to be in good shape when they enter the ring. Know whats right for your animal. If you have lambs, for instance, keep them clipped and make sure their oils are good.

Stay organized

Know the basics, such as your animals weight and breed. Once you get to the show, know which class youre in, as well as your schedule. You dont want to put in so much hard work throughout the year and then miss your chance to show.

Study up on showmanship

Work with your animals now to make sure your showmanship skills are show-ready. Know things like what youve done to care for your animal and what youve fed it and be prepared to answer the questions judges might ask.

Know your judge

Different people have different preferences, and judges are no different. Know who will judge your animal – that information is available through the county extension office or the show rule book – and know that judges preferences.

Be travel ready if necessary

Those people participating in major stock shows in cities such as Houston and San Antonio should make sure they have everything theyll need once they reach the grounds. Preparing beforehand makes for an easier show experience.

When in doubt, ask

Caring for animals can be tricky, but help is available. Consider asking advice from feed store workers, veterinarians, family members and more. You can often build off their knowledge and learn from their mistakes.

Sources: Gary Loest, Victoria Livestock Show assistant general chairman and Jackie Parsons, with The Other Feed Store

Tags: Your Animals

What levels of minerals are in my forage?

A Forage mineral analysis is relatively inexpensive and can provide valuable information on what supplemental amounts are required. This can be used to provide the correct dietary levels and will highlight if there are excess amounts of minerals such as iron and molybdenum which may reduce absorption of other minerals.

What are the key minerals I should be considering supplementing?

Minerals are essential for the performance, fertility, health and general wellbeing of all animals, and are a key component of all diets. It is only when they are in deficit or excess that problems can arise. It is therefore important to know what the daily mineral supply is for all minerals from all components of the diet, including forage, concentrates, water and supplementary sources such as free-access minerals, boluses, lick blocks etc.

How do I determine the mineral status of my cows?

This varies from mineral to mineral. For some, a blood sample can provide a good indication, but for others levels dont vary greatly unless the diet is highly deficient or in excess. In the case of copper, a blood sample is useful to determine whether an animal is deficient, but a liver biopsy, or analysis of liver copper concentrations from cull cows can be more useful to indicate whether the animals are being fed excess. Analysis of forage and feed is often a good and relatively inexpensive starting point.

What are the side effects of mineral deficiency/toxicity?

Side effects vary from mineral to mineral and are often difficult to distinguish from other diseases without taking a blood or tissue sample. For calcium, an excess during the dry period can lead to a high incidence of milk fever. For copper, deficiency symptoms include lightening of coat colour particularly around the eyes, weight loss, scouring, reduced milk yields and fertility problems. For zinc, a reduction in food intake and growth rate are symptomatic of a deficiency. If you think that your animals may be deficient then it is best to consult with your vet or nutritionist who can advise you on the best course of action.

When considering a mineral supplement, what are the key questions I should be asking?

The level of supplement required is one of the first questions, as there is now good evidence that many winter-fed animals are being over-supplemented, but others may be underfed.

You should also consider mode of delivery. For example, free-access minerals can be consumed erratically by a group of animals, with some not consuming enough and others excess. For animals that are grazing, a bolus or injection are more certain methods of ensuring animals are being properly supplemented. For animals receiving a mixed ration or concentrates in the parlour you should be able to ensure each animal is receiving the correct amount.

Spreading minerals on top of forage at the feed face can be effective, but only if all animals are able to eat at once. There is also some evidence that some organically complexed (or chelated) minerals may be more available to the animal than inorganic sources, but this varies from product to product and should be weighed up against the additional cost.

Tags: Your Animals

TUPELO, Miss. (WTVA) –Northeast Mississippi is prone to potential winter storm weather over the next 24 hours and the Northwest Mississippi Chapter of the American Red Cross urges residents to take steps now to stay safe.

We are currently watching the weather very closely and have our disaster action team members and staff ready to assist if the winter storm causes disaster related issues, said Cheryl Kocurek, Readiness and Response Manager.

As with any disaster, preparation can be the difference between life and death.

The Red Cross recommends the tips below for individuals and families to prepare for winter storms:

Go to a designated public shelter if your home loses power or heat during periods of extreme cold.

Avoid driving when conditions include sleet, freezing rain or drizzle, snow or dense fog.

Before tackling strenuous tasks in cold temperatures, consider your physical condition, the weather factors and the nature of the task.

Protect yourself from frostbite and hypothermia by wearing warm, loose-fitting, lightweight clothing in several layers.

Stay indoors, if possible.

Help people who require special assistance such as elderly people living alone, people with disabilities and children.

Check on your animals and make sure that their access to food and water is not blocked by snow drifts, ice or other obstacles. If possible, bring them indoors.

Never use a generator, grill, camp stove or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal burning devices inside a home, garage, basement, crawlspace or any partially enclosed area.

Heeding Storm Warnings:

A winter storm WATCH means winter storm conditions are possible within the next 36 to 48 hours.

People in a watch area should review their winter storm plans and stay informed about weather conditions via NOAA Weather radio, or local radio or television stations.

A winter storm WARNING means that life-threatening, severe winter conditions have begun or will begin within 24 hours.

Individuals in a warning area should take precautions immediately.

Tags: Your Animals

Winter is upon us and so many people, like me, deny its inevitable arrival every year! I would like to remind everyone about how important it is to provide adequate care for your animals during the cold months to come.

Provide a shelter that you can put fresh straw in as the dog/cat compounds it. A fluffy straw bed in a sheltered area is necessary. Small animals need a place that is warm and dry. We have free dog/cat houses and straw at the shelter if you know someone who needs them. We can arrange help getting everything set up as well. Personally, we have a resin outdoor storage box that has a hinged lid. They aren’t too expensive (at Menard’s or Home Depot) and it’s easy to check inside.

Provide extra food during cold months. Animals need extra calories so they can provide body heat.Outdoor animals should be fed and watered twice daily. An additional cup of food for a large dog won’t cost that much but will be the life saving energy it needs to stay warm. If you know of anyone who needs food for their dog/cat we have extra at the shelter ready for pickup.

Tags: Your Animals